'We acknowledge that we've made changes,' says Selinger

But Selinger denied that claim on Thursday, while he was in Brandon to give his state of the province address.

"We acknowledge that we've made changes, and we acknowledge that every province has made changes as we've gone forward, in order to cope with the reality that we have of a slower economic recovery and, in the case of Manitoba, major infrastructure demands," he said.

Selinger said while the PST increase may not be popular, it is necessary because Manitoba is facing another costly flood and the government has no choice but to raise money to pay for it.

Meanwhile, one political analyst says he doesn't think it will have a big effect on Selinger or the NDP.

"I don't think the NDP government is that stupid politically that they haven't made careful calculations about what damage this will do," said Paul Thomas, a retired political studies professor from the University of Manitoba.

He said the NDP likely did surveys with the public to understand what the fallout will be.

Thomas added that the next provincial election won't be until the spring of 2016, and the NDP is likely counting on Manitobans having short memories.

"I don't think it's a foregone conclusion, though, that this one decision by the government will seal its fate — that it's bound to lose in 2016," he said. "I think it'll be a closer election."

Thomas said because the money raised from the PST increase is going to infrastructure and flood protection, voters may find it more palatable.